Author: Useppa

Decades of Useppa Mother Love – Thoughts and pictures by UseppaGin – Almost twenty years of family pictures, almost twenty years of mothers and grandmothers, and now one Useppa great grandmother smiling at my camera. Searching through archives I found pictures of Island children who are now the next generation of Island parents. Island girls who are now Island moms. I looked at photos of mothers and their families no longer on Useppa, but who will always be part of its heart. There are pictures of mothers no longer here in fact, but here in spirit. I only wish I had photographs of all the women, all the mothers who shaped this magical place, the mothers today who care for their own families and their Useppa family.

Easter and More on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Over 350 dinners were served on Easter Sunday. The Bunny wished the Collier Staff luck, and all went well. During the week, families gathered by the pool, friends met for lunch, people began closing cottages and heading home, the Island said a seasonal good-bye to its favorite North Point lady. Spring is almost over and summer fun about to begin.

Dancing the Night Away – Thoughts and pictures by UseppaGin – The Cotton Club Useppa Style hosted another night of great music at the Tarpon Bar. People were up and dancing, sitting down only when exhausted. Thank you to the homeowners who made it happen, Island management and staff, and some incredible musicians. Winslow and the Rockefellers made us feel like we all had rhythm.

The Easter Bunny on Useppa 2019 – Pictures and Thoughts UseppaGin – Just as Santa finds his way to the Island, the Easter Bunny finds its way. On Sunday morning, children gathered along the side of the croquet court and waited patiently. At 9:30 the Bunny appeared. Eggs were already scattered, some with money in them instead of candy. When the Bunny gave the okay, the swarm spread out. In under an hour every egg was found. The Bunny was exhausted, but children and parents were all smiles.

Island Sunrise Service – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – Just before sunrise Islanders gather quietly on the beach. Pelicans go about their morning diving for fish. Gentle music breaks the silence, and then well-chosen words of welcome to the diverse community celebrating Easter. All are welcome. As the sun slowly rises, Christian believers of different faiths join those with different beliefs about God, agnostics who question, and atheists who say there is no God. Useppa is a family, and on Easter we honor that which brings us together. We give thanks.

The 2019 Izaak Walton Easter Useppa Kids Fishing Tournament – Photos and thoughts by UseppaGin – A Record Number of Fish, High Winds, and Determination describe the Easter 2019 Izaak Walton Useppa Kids Fishing Tournament. Flounder, Redfish, and Catfish were reeled in by boys and girls despite the weather. Captain Ken was kept busy taking fish off the hook, measuring each one, and talking to the angler before tossing the squiggly catch back into the water. Miss Lisa kept records and after one hour of fun, prizes and Blue Ribbons were awarded. Another great day on the dock. The tradition of family fishing continues.

Happy Hours All Day on An Island – Pictures and Words by UseppaGin – Happy Hours in the Tarpon Bar, on the beach, sailing, climbing the Banyan Tree, celebrating the Museum’s 25th Birthday, learning about the Cuban Missile Crisis from Michael Tougias, swimming in the pool…. Four generations having fun on Useppa.

Barbara Sumwalt Museum Celebrates 25th Anniversary – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Twenty-five years ago, its doors opened for the first time. Resident Barbara Sumwalt and the Island Historical Society created a museum to celebrate Useppa’s history. That legacy continues and on Friday, March 25th over $200,000 was raised to bring that past into the twenty-first century. Bids at a live auction and a matching gift challenge by Tim and Judith Sear will make it happen. The Silver Jubilee also honored two women; Mary Bacon, an integral part of day-to-day operations for twenty years, and Board Member Judith Sear an advisor and coach on the best ways to update older exhibits to incorporate interactive elements into displays.

Ragtime Skippered by Kurt Stocker with Crew Tony Colgan Wins 2019 McMahon Regatta – Words by UseppaGin, Photos by UseppaGin and Alexander Poplawski – Morning and afternoon races, Bill’s Grille for lunch, dinner and awards at the Tarpon Bar were all part of the 2019 McMahon Regatta. Longtime sailors Kurt Stocker and Tony Colgan were the winners. Skipper Ed King and crew Kim Lockhart on Coot took 2nd place. The Regatta is named in honor of Useppa’s first Yacht Club Commodore Jack McMahon, and it determines the Island’s Marshall Catboat Championship. Sailing on Useppa is open to all. There are no membership dues. The Useppa Island Yacht Club is one more example of island good-natured fun and fellowship.

Saint Patrick’s Day Useppa Style – Pictures and words by UseppaGin – It’s a family tradition on the Island. Families and friends decorate golf carts to parade up and down the beach. This year children and dogs stole the show, except for the cart Erin “no” Bragh. Humor, good fun and wearing of the green, the Admiral’s uniform passed down through generations, prizes, and smiles – where else but Useppa?